Israeli Beresheet Spacecraft Makes Crash Landing on Moon

April 11, 2019 (EIRNS)—During its 15-minute descent from Lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon today, the small Israeli Beresheet lander had problems communicating with mission control, and finally suffered an engine failure. Unable to slow down for a soft landing, it crashed into the Moon. The Beresheet was the first privately funded spacecraft sent to the Moon.

Israel became the seventh country to orbit the Moon. And if the team can raise the funds, they will undoubtedly try again. The photographs of the far side of the Moon, taken last week after the Beresheet mission achieved Lunar orbit, were transmitted successfully, and are scientifically and aesthetically beautiful.